*14 September 2010*

*For Immediate Release*

Maori leader condemns Christchurch earthquake support

Ngapuhi spokesman and lecturer David Rankin has lambasted the lack of international support for the victims of the Christchurch earthquake, and suggested that New Zealand review its overseas aid programme.

“Any time there is an international disaster overseas, New Zealanders are among the first to offer help”, says Mr. Rankin, “and per head of population, we are among the most generous countries in the world. But when we have a major natural disaster, the rest of the world turns its back on us”.

Mr Rankin directs most of his criticism at Australia. “when Australia had its severe bush fire recently, we sent money, equipment, firefighters, and all sorts of other support, and in return, Australia offers us nothing”.

Mr Rankin will be recommending to the Government that the country’s aid policies are reviewed in light of the response from some countries to the Christchurch earthquake, and that a ‘parity system’ be established in which New Zealand allocates assistance on a reciprocal basis. “That is the Maori way”, he says, “ Manakitanga is all about reciprocity, and if help is not offered in return, then it gets cut off – simple as that”.

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